ABOYNE – On Oct. 31 Wellington County officials unveiled a peace pole at the Wellington Place campus as part of a Canada-wide initiative led by the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGUS) Canada.
A peace pole is an international monument bearing the universal message “May peace prevail on Earth” authored by the late Masahisa Goi of Japan following the Second World War.
“Approximately 250,000 peace poles stand in communities across every continent, serving as beacons of hope and symbols of humanity’s shared desire for a peaceful world,” officials state.
“As a public space that welcomes people from all walks of life, Wellington Place is an ideal location for this peace pole,” stated Wellington Place administrator Jana Burns.
“It stands as a permanent reminder of our collective commitment to peace and respect.”
Warden Chris White, left, and Centre Wellington councillor Barb Lustgarten-Evoy stand next to the new peace pole that reads “May peace prevail on Earth.” Photo by Georgia York
The community project was championed by local Rotary 7080-E Club and is supported by two local Legions.
The wooden post was donated by Dixon’s Home Hardware and installed by Wellington County Museum and Archives maintenance staff.
The pole stands eight feet tall and features a peace message in both English and French.
Each of the four sides displays a small red maple leaf at the base, with Wellington County, Rotary and Legion logos at the top.
Visitors can find the new peace pole on the museum trail, next to Charles Allan Way by the bow string bridge.
